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Monday, December 30, 2013

Master
Hugh, surgeon and bailiff, is asked to provide a sleeping potion for
Sir Henry Burley, a friend and guest of Lord Gilbert at Bampton Castle.
Sir Henry--with his current wife, a daughter by a first wife, two knights, two squires, and assorted servants--has outstayed his welcome at Bampton.

The
next morning, Sir Henry is found dead, eyes open, in his bed. Master
Hugh, despite shrill accusations from the grieving widow, is asked by
Lord Gilbert to determine the cause of death . . . which had nothing to
do with the potion.

The sixth tale following Hugh de Singleton, Rest Not in Peace is sure to find its place among fans of detective and medieval historical fiction.

My review;

This is a really good addition to the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton Surgeon series. Sir Henry Burley who is a guest at Brampton Castle owned by Lord Gilbert, has asked Master Hugh, who is a surgeon for a drink to help him sleep. The problem is that when he went o bed Sir Henry was alive and well even after a night of dancing, music and more. No one can explain why he is found dead by his valet the next day.
Lord Gilbert asks Master Hugh to find out how and why he was killed. The biggest problem is that Sir Henry's widow is full of accusations. The book is filled with twists and turns and very fast moving. I really enjoyed it. I am going to read the next in this series the seventh called The Abbot's Agreement as soon as it is released. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Kregel Publications for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

Christmas is the season the Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And, just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town swooning.

But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it! This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams – eventhe someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones – really do come true!

Christmas is the season the
Gingerbread Café was made for…but owner Lily couldn’t be feeling less merry if
she tried. She’s spent another year dreaming of being whisked away on a
sleigh-ride for two, but she’s facing festive season alone – again. And,
just to give her another reason to feel anything other than candy-cane perky, a
new shop across the road has opened… Not only is it selling baked goods, but the
owner, with his seriously charming smile, has every girl in town
swooning.

But Lily isn’t about to let her business crumble — the
Gingerbread Café is the heart of the community, and she’s going to fight for it!
This could be the Christmas that maybe, just maybe, all her dreams
– eventhe someone-to-decorate-the-Christmas-tree-with ones –
really do come true!

About the
Author:

Rebecca Raisin is a true
bibliophile.

This love of books
morphed into the desire to write them. She’s been widely published in various
short story anthologies, and in fiction magazines, and is now focusing on
writing romance. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous men who have
brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re
fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends
with. People with big hearts who care about relationships, and most importantly,
believe in true love.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Pinto beans, garbanzo, lentils and black, beans of all types are a frugal and nutritious ingredient for any dish.

Beans are low in fat, high in protein and vitamin C. They give you a great big nutritional bang for a little tiny monetary buck. They're also packed with fiber which helps you keep a healthy digestive track.

Unfortunately, they can also sometimes be a little boring. Check out Cooking with Beans for some easy, frugal and very tasty recipes to take the boring out of beans. These family friendly meals will also turn your kids onto the goodness of beans.

My review;

In the days of cowboys they had many meals of just beans. They are very good for you. This book really talks about different kinds of beans and some great ways to cook these. I am Italian and my grandmother always made lentil soup. This book will also help you stretch your food dollar. This is a book that is filled with a lot of recipes and great ideas. I rate this book a 4/5.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

About

After turning out plutonium for the Cold War, the shuttered Hanford Nuclear Facility's poisoned buildings still pose a risk to the surrounding community. The men who guard the facility are told the dangers are under control, but then the worst happens--a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.

Kieran Mullaney survives the blast, but his attempts to discover what really happened are met with silence and threats. Convinced that Hanford is hiding something, Kieran reconnects with his old friend, lawyer Emily Hart, and enlists her help in finding out the truth. But the deeper the two of them dig, the stranger--and more dangerous--this case gets.

My review;

The Hanford Nuclear Facility explodes and everyone is shocked in the middle of the night.When a man named Keiran Mullaney who made it through the explosion tries to find out what really happened he realizes he is in real danger.
Kieran asks his friend Emily Hart who is a young lawyer to help him find out what is really going on. As they get deeper into the mystery they decide they need more help. Ryan, who is Emily's father is a lawyer but he is no longer interested in being a lawyer. Ryan does decide that he would help them because he has not talked to Emily in a long time and he really wants to speak to his daughter again.
They realize that they are facing an uphill battle and real danger. This is fast moving and very exciting read. I was very interested in the storyline. The characters were very real and well described. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Bethany House for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

Gisela’s childhood was
filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his
young son. But since her father’s death, each day has been filled with
nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the
duke’s son, Valten - the boy she has daydreamed about for years - is
throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to
attend, even if it’s only for a taste of a life she’ll never have. To
her surprise, she catches Valten’s eye. Though he is rough around the
edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other
forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting
Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

My review;
Gisela has been daydreaming about the Duke's son Valten for many years. When she hears that he is having a ball she knows that she must attend. She knows that she will never have a life she dreamed of but, she must have a small taste. The moment her father died her life changed and her stepmother has treated her like a servant.
Once she is there Valten finally notices her. Before she knows it she in love. Although they are unaware there are some who will not let the two get together . The more they love each other the more danger there is. Cinderella being told in a different way.
The book is filled with action and intrigue. I really enjoyed it's fast pace. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Booksneeze for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.

Mira did not know what she had in store the day she fell asleep while wanting to escape her current situation. Overcoming a death from someone so close and burying herself in school and an internship has kept her somewhat awake and alive. An admiration for the actor, James Dean was all that kept the memory of her father alive. If she couldn’t be with her father, she could at least remember what they shared an admiration for together. She always wanted to meet James Dean… she didn’t know it would come true. Be careful what you wish for. It may just come true.

Excerpt

My life couldn’t be more complete. As we reached the apartments, I slowly got off the bike, surprised at myself that I had done this. Ordinarily, I’d never get on a motorcycle. James leaned over and caressed my cheek. Before I could open my mouth to tell him what was to happen to him, he gave me a quick peck on the lips. I couldn’t let James walk away, not now.

Something in me grasped his wrist; my breath caught in my throat. I no longer cared about the rain. I must have looked like a drowned rat to him. "I have to tell you something," I blurted as I waited for his reaction.

James smiled, then chuckled as he caressed my face. The rain was preventing me from seeing clearly. "Sweetheart, it’s raining and you’re soaked. I hope this is important." Pulling him toward me, I faced him. I could change history. I could have him live out his life as he was meant to. If I couldn’t save my father, I could save him.

"In the future, when you become famous, please be careful. Remember this: there will be a day that you are off to a race. You will not see a car until it’s too late. James, please promise me. It could mean your life." I must have sounded like a complete and total idiot to him. Geez! I think I watched Back To The Future too many times. I sounded like Marty talking to the professor about his impending death.

Chuckling, he shook his head, expelling the rain off his head and onto me. Laughter erupted between us as I covered my face. He then cupped my face, kissed my forehead. "Are you sure you’re not an angel? I cannot promise anything, but baby, I can promise I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll pick you up here and you can ditch your responsibilities. Ride with me."

Sighing, now I knew how all those girls felt when they looked at him. What an offer that would be. Ditch school to ride with the man who was loved by so many. I was determined he’d listen to me. Gripping his hands from my face, I gazed into his eyes. "I’m serious!"

Before I could utter another word, his lips descended on mine. My body went toward him and melted. I couldn’t help but respond as I brought him closer. I was lost in his warm lips as they caressed mine. Lingering near my lips, he breathed, "I know you are." Then, winking as he kissed me again, smiling that beautiful smile of his, "How else can my angel guard me if she isn’t with me?"

Works In Progress

The Lucky Valentine

On an internship in London, England Ana finds herself in a tiny bookshop where she finds an old valentine stuck into a book she starts to read. Before she knows it she finds herself in England, but during the Blitz (World War II). There she meets the handsome Sgt. Marcus Hunter. Will Ana be able to go back home ?

Bio:

Born to the great

lively city of Manhattan, NY, and raised in quiet Connecticut. Denise started writing

when drawing and painting were not enough. Deciding to try a new type of medium, she thought to

start with poetry. After her first success and first reading at the age of fifteen. Her writing began to

take on new life with her own worlds of fantasy, time travel, action, adventure and of course

romance.

She draws inspiration from her favorite childhood cartoons and experiences to her current

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Sit back, relax in your favorite reading chair and enjoy 15 Winter Reads from 15 bestselling YA authors. There is something to delight every reader in this box set – paranormal romance, futuristic sci-fi, historical, time travel, and contemporary. Many of the Indelibles have given you access to both the first and second books in their series – you’ll be reading well into the New Year!

LIMITED TIME BOX SET - from 15 bestselling YA authors
ON SALE 12/29 - 1/11 for just $1.99

Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. When her newly remarried mother moves the family to Paragon Island, to a house that is rumored to be haunted, Skyla finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds.

When Grace's forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a new hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, she is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder.

How to Date an Alien and How to Break Up With an Alien by Magan Vernon

Alex Bianchi takes an internship at an alien operations center to pad her college applications but doesn't plan on falling in love with one of its residents. But as Alex’s senior year progresses, everything changes and she can’t figure out if it is interstellar or if it is just time to break up with an alien.

Dawn, the neighborhood tomboy, is happy to be her best friend’s shadow. Acceptance comes from playing football after school with the guys on the block while hiding safely behind her glasses, braces, and boyish ways. But Tony moves in, becomes the star Running Back on her school’s football team, and changes her world and her view of herself forever.

While working together to figure out what their shared vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her - if only she wanted him to...

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Donovan Neal M. S. N. P. has served in the ordained ministry and as an instructor in the Bible for 20 years, and is the author of the self-published book, ‘The Gospel Explained.’ Donovan is also a prolific songwriter and singer having written over 50 different songs of praise and worship for the local church, and has performed in various schools and churches in the Ministry of Christian rap.

He is an Adjunct Professor at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also a freelance writer for Examiner.com. Donovan has spent his entire 23-year career, helping underprivileged and disempowered populations ranging from abused and neglected children, adults with disabilities, to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. He has recently become the executive director of Hospitality House; a food pantry in Walled Lake, Michigan working to end hunger in his community.
​

He has been an experienced trainer in such areas as nonviolent crisis prevention intervention to adult CPR and First Aid with the Red Cross, Working with Different Personalities, and many more. Donovan brings a wealth of experience and interests that has allowed him to write on a host of subjects ranging from gaming, internet/technology, Christian themes, to nonprofit management and leadership.

The
quick and dirty guide on how to develop a character by Donovan M.
Neal

Character
development is one of the most foundational aspects that a writer
must look at in developing their novel. Characters bring the story
to life. Characters can be people, animals, even places. If you
have read the book Dune by Frank Herbert. The planet Arakkis was a
character for which the book was named. If you read his work you
remember the fact that it was a desert planet and void of water.
Where the giant worm lived the provided the spice that supplied the
known galaxy. Dune. The very planet was a character.

What
is the characters name?

Does
the name have a meaning?

Who
named them?

Do
they have a nickname?

Give
a one-sentence summary of your characters storyline.

What
is the characters race/ethnicity?

What
is their gender?

Where
do they live? What is the climate like?

Do
they have an accent, or peculiarities of speech?

Does
the character have special powers and or abilities if so what if
any limitations do they possess?

What
is the characters motivation? What does he/she want abstractly?

What
is the characters conflict? What prevents him/her from reaching what
they want?

What
is the characters epiphany (what will he she learn, how will he/she
change?)

Then
write out a one-paragraph summary of the characters storyline.

Note
that you should do this for each character, and if there is an
organization or group within your novel the same should be done for
them. What you’re doing here is part of the novel’s world
creation. But populating the world is more important than the world
itself.

Now
that we have the basics down. Or what I call the outline of your
character. Let’s add some color to them. By color, I mean we are
going to add the personality to them. The temperament of your
character. I have found that one of the best ways of figuring this
out is with the help of the Myers Briggs temperament indicator.
(MBTI) Briefly stated it lists 16 types of personalities. Find the
temperament from the indicator which best fits the character you are
creating and your going to get a great idea of how they perceive the
world and what drives them, what they are afraid of etc. It’s a
great resource for any writer. You can find the link here.
http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/

A
second great place to find and learn more about character development
is http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CharacterDevelopment
At this site you can find a variety of different character tropes.
It is a cornucopia of resources to help make your characters stand
out, and pop. I personally love the old fashioned dungeons and
dragons alignment system that helps to establish the moral compass of
your character. You can find an example of it here.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CharacterAlignment
Using this you can also identify where your character’s moral
compass begins in the story to where you would like them to end.
Finally, If you are having trouble naming a character. Type into
your favorite search engine the term, “You books genre then then
term “name generator” you will then get a list of various sites
where you can find customized character names. Find, select and
modify one that fits your needs.

I
want to thank my host for allowing me the opportunity to share and I
wish those aspiring writers out there great success!

Book Genre: Christian Fiction

Publisher: Theoneustos Ministries

Release Date: Oct 8, 2013

Book Description:

The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars is book one of a three part series that tells of the fascinating story of the Fall of Lucifer.
Lucifer, God’s perfect creation and who dwelt in his very presence, walked in the midst of the stones of fire. Yet rose up to betray the Lord and bring Heaven itself to civil war.

Many tales have referenced this great angelic war but few have sought to explore the dynamic relationships between God and the angelic hosts. Why did a third of heaven seek to overthrow their creator?
See Lucifer and his actions in a light never before seen. Journey back to the beginning, and see the drama unfold before your eyes: as allegiances are broken; choices made, and why all of creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Kenya
CarltonGenre: African American
RomanceBook
Description:Ex-ballerina turned rehab
designer Cece Newman competes in a reality show that could give her fledgling
company the boost that it needs. Assigned a relic of a house in a renovation
challenge, Cece soon becomes suspicious of the producer’s intentions. When she
finds the house is one of many properties her ex-fiancé and baby daddy Brock
Thorn owns, Cece is convinced that she is being set up for failure. Ready to
drop the project and what’s left of her career, Cece has to find a way to ignore
the handsome athlete while she navigates around his kooky family. Cece must
also convince their daughter that mommy and daddy won’t be getting back together
again, a job easier said than done—especially when the attraction between the
two is hotter than ever.

The biggest hit Brock Thorn
took on or off the field occurred when Cece Newman left him at the altar. Five
years later, Brock is more determined than ever to get answers from his baby’s
momma. Even in regards to joint custody of their daughter, Brock’s only form of
contact with Cece is through her loving, protective sister Lily. Brock packs up
his high profile life and digs his heels in at the crappy house he’s
inherited—the very one Cece is set to renovate. As he dodges cameras and
uninvited family members, Brock must get to the bottom of his failed romance
with Cece—especially if he has any chance of getting back the life that was lost
when Cece left.

About the
Author:

Native of Chicago Illinois,
Kenya worked in the Network operation Center for PBS and TLN television
stations. Executive producer of her own production company Black R.O.K
Productions Kenya produced a pilot for travel series Destination Everywhere,
Independent short film Dawn shown at the Chicago Latino film Festival, and wrote
and directed the documentary Our Africa. Writing titles available; Jaded, Sweet
as Sin, Brazil re-issue, Devil’s Play, and Remember This.

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